Are You Short-Changing Yourself in Your Job Search?

I see it time and time again. Job seekers who short-change themselves on their skills and talents that prevents them from being successful in their job search. These individuals only know what they know; they only see themselves in the job role they left; other times they don’t really feel that they have any real knowledge or skills that would be valuable to an employer. This small-minded thinking keeps them small in their job search, leaving them feeling lost and frustrated that they are not getting any results.

What leads to this mental block? Several factors could be in play, such as low self-esteem, inability to see “the big picture” or not wanting to boast or brag. How can you tell if you are short-changing yourself in your job search? Here are some questions to ask yourself:

Do you have difficulty listing your skills, values, or past accomplishments?

Is it difficult for you to link your past job experiences with a current job path?

Do you leave out certain skill sets or talents when asked to, either because they seem too minor to too large?

Can you not visualize yourself in a job or career path?

If you answered yes to these questions, then you have just shot down any chance you having of finding a job. You must be able to answer these questions to know exactly what benefit you will bring to any employer and help you become more focused in your job search. It is imperative that you have a very clear picture of what skills and talents you possess and then be able to convey them, both in writing and through networking, so that you create interest and desire by potential employers. Taking the time to answer them will help you become clearer and confident and streamline your job-search efforts.